Clifton Country Park

Situated in the Irwell Valley, Clifton Country Park is 48 hectares of beautiful countryside in the heart of the city.

Here you can explore acres of open woodland and meadows, enjoy lakeside walks, bring a picnic, go fishing or discover the hidden remnants of the city's industrial past. Bring children to play and enjoy refreshments in the visitor centre café!  

The park was designated a local nature reserve in 2005 and currently holds the prestigious Green Flag award.

Clifton is also home to the industrial remains of the Wet Earth Colliery. Established around 1740, the colliery was one of the first deep mines to be sunk in the Irwell Valley.

Along with a variety of self-guided and accessible trails, the Salford Ranger Team provides a wide range of events and activities and volunteering opportunities throughout the year.

Schools and community groups are welcome to use the site and a range of outdoor educational activities can be organised to suit different needs.

Address: Clifton House Road, Clifton, M27 6NG
Classification: Local Nature Reserve

Opening times:

  • Park: 24 hour pedestrian access
  • Café: Open daily 9.30am to 3.30pm

To arrange access for groups, please contact the Ranger Team via email: rangers@salford.gov.uk

Facilities:

  • Arboretum
  • Café (dog-friendly)
  • Car parking
  • Climbing boulder
  • Children's play area 
  • Designated bridleway and cycle route
  • Fishing
  • Lake and river-side
  • Orienteering
  • Sculpture trail
  • Toilets (open 9.30am to 3.30pm)
  • Trails, way-marked for distance and accessibility
  • Visitor centre

Park rangers: Yes
Friends group: Yes

Photo gallery

How to get here

By car

From Swinton, travel along Manchester Road (A666 towards Kearsley) until the country park is signposted. Turn right down Clifton House Road, then turn right down Dow Brow and under the railway bridge.

From Kearsley, follow Manchester Road (A666) until the country park is signposted. Turn left into Clifton House Road, then turn right down Dow Brow and under the railway bridge.

Public transport links

Number 22 bus service from Bolton to Stockport. The bus stop is opposite Clifton Cricket Ground.

For more information, telephone Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) on 0871 200 2233.

Clifton Country Park user group forum

This group gives users of Clifton Country Park the opportunity to be involved in and consulted about the management of the site. The group is made up of representatives of a variety of different users from anglers to horse riders to mums and dads to local historians.

The forum meets on a regular basis at the Clifton Country Park visitor centre to discuss new plans and projects and always welcomes new members. New members do not have to be involved in any official group but just need to have an interest in the park and enjoy using it for recreation.

If you are interested in becoming a member or would simply like to find out more please use the contact form below.

If you would like to organise an event or activity in this park please view our advice page.

Map of park location

Downloadable documents

If you are unable to view documents of these types, our downloads page provides links to viewing software.

Who to contact

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Contact us online

This page was last updated on 20 July 2022

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